ROXAS City — A chess tournament opens today with chess aficionados and participants from different provinces in the region arriving.

It will be the first-of-its-kind in the province, according to businessman Edito Saludaga, chair of the board of the newly organized Roxas City Plaza Chess Association Inc.

“Sinadya sa Halaran Regional Chess Tournament” is fully supported by the city government led by Mayor Angel Alan Celino and members of the City Council.

The Department of Education also supports the event.

Prior to the tournament, a blessing of the “Giant Chess Board” to be officiated by the Rt. Rev. Msgr. Guillermo Belvis will be held at the public plaza.

Celino and Saludaga will have a ceremonial move before the competition starts.

The activity will add color to the celebration of the feast of Roxas City’s patroness Mary Immaculate Conception from December 3–8, Celino said./PN

JUDGE EDWARD B. CONTRERASRTC Executive Judge Edward B. Contreras of Roxas City has suggested a new approach to eradicate the heavy clogging of court dockets.More than 50 percent of cases are drug-related.He suggested that the following system be employed on nonviolent drug offenders, mostly young people:1) “Plea bargain and probation must be allowed in cases involving youthful offenders, 18–30 years old, and those arrested for possession of ‘minimal quantity’ of drugs2) “Procedure for availing voluntary treatment and rehabilitation must be simplified3) “The harsh penalties for possession of ‘minimal quantity’ of drugs must be eliminated by introducing shorter and lighter penalties and fines in consonance with the latest trend in the United States, and4) “Introduce measures for a more effective probation supervision and mandatory drug treatment programs.”Talented and one of the most respected members of the judiciary, Judge Contreras truly finds a good solution to the festering problem in our criminal justice system today.